Foot freedom: Tips for happy summertime feet

Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 09:20 AM.

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“A flip flop would be a flat with none of those aspects. I don’t recommend wearing those other than for short distances around the pool and maybe around the house,” Adams said. “Even though it’s convenient to wear to the beach, if you have a long walk, I would prefer that you wear something with more support.”

FOOT CARE

It can be hard to prevent dry feet when sandals are worn frequently, but daily moisturizing can help. Adams said people can just use their favorite body moisturizer, but they should be careful not to get too much in the web spaces of their toes, as build up can lead to ulcers and other issues.

Pumice stones, heel repair creams and moisturizing socks are a few ideas for combating extremely dry, cracked feet. And when possible, people should resist the urge to kick off their shoes.

“I do recommend really reducing the amount of time that you’re barefoot,” Adams said.

Many people don’t think about their feet when it comes to sunscreen, and this can be a painful mistake.

“The foot is the most perpendicular part of the body to the sun’s rays, so it really takes a beating. An SPF of 30 is usually what I recommend,” Adams said, pointing out that it needs to be applied to the top and bottom of the foot as well as on the toenails.

Summer means vacations not only from work and school but for feet as well. It’s the time of year when people pack away the closed-toe shoes and opt for sandals and bare feet instead. That foot freedom can come at a cost if special care isn’t taken, but happy feet can be achieved by taking just a few easy, extra steps.

GOOD SHOES

Good foot health starts with good shoes. Dr. Samuel Adams, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and director of foot and ankle research at Duke University Medical Center, said many patients come into his office wearing a shoe that’s trendy but offers absolutely no support.

He recommends closed-toe sandals, which is advice that people may not want to hear. These shoes may be less fashionable and harder to find, but they can help prevent the top two summertime foot issues: stubbed toes and splinters.

But even if people can’t get on board with closed-toe sandals, there are a few basic criteria they should look for in a good sandal.

“It’s important to get a sandal that has a nice heel cup that keeps your heel centered in the shoe. It’s also good to have one with an arch support,” Adams said.

Another must is a metatarsal bar, an element near the toes that relieves pressure on the balls of the feet. In addition, the sandal shouldn’t be completely flat, which takes flip flops out of the running. Adams said flip flops don’t support the foot and can lead to arch and tendon issues or make other foot problems worse.

“A flip flop would be a flat with none of those aspects. I don’t recommend wearing those other than for short distances around the pool and maybe around the house,” Adams said. “Even though it’s convenient to wear to the beach, if you have a long walk, I would prefer that you wear something with more support.”

FOOT CARE

It can be hard to prevent dry feet when sandals are worn frequently, but daily moisturizing can help. Adams said people can just use their favorite body moisturizer, but they should be careful not to get too much in the web spaces of their toes, as build up can lead to ulcers and other issues.

Pumice stones, heel repair creams and moisturizing socks are a few ideas for combating extremely dry, cracked feet. And when possible, people should resist the urge to kick off their shoes.

“I do recommend really reducing the amount of time that you’re barefoot,” Adams said.

Many people don’t think about their feet when it comes to sunscreen, and this can be a painful mistake.

“The foot is the most perpendicular part of the body to the sun’s rays, so it really takes a beating. An SPF of 30 is usually what I recommend,” Adams said, pointing out that it needs to be applied to the top and bottom of the foot as well as on the toenails.

Another mistake people make during the warm months is wearing sneakers without socks. Socks absorb moisture, and when they aren’t worn, moisture, bacteria and mold builds up inside the shoes.

You can reach lifestyles reporter Andrea Honaker at ahonaker@gastongazette.com or 704-869-1840. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/andi384 and read her blog at lifelessons.blogs.gastongazette.com.

Proper pedicures
Those exposed feet make painted toenails a must-have for many women. Whether doing your nails at home or at a salon, here are some care guidelines:
* Moisturize your nails, especially after using polish removers since they may contain chemicals that dry the nails.
* Never cut or push back cuticles, as it can lead to infection. But if you have to, only do it after a shower or bath and be very gentle.
* If you go to a salon, make sure the technician has proper experience and required licenses; stations are clean; and workers wash their hands between each client. It’s also a good idea to ask the technician how the tools are sanitized.
* Don’t shave your legs for at least 24 hours before a pedicure. If you get a cut while shaving, a pedicure could lead to infection.
* Think about buying your own tools to be used at the nail salon if you get regular pedicures.
* If you’ve decided to use a bright red or orange polish, paint on an extra layer of base coat to keep nails from becoming discolored.Source: American Academy of Dermatology